The traditional route to the edge of Red Plateau and beyond to Castle Butte is to start down on the Dewdrop Range trailhead and then hike up the ridges to the top, then to follow the trail along the edge of the plateau as it climbs over a series of jutting ridges and viewpoints.   This is a long and demanding route. The same trail eventually starts a descent down (at N 50° 46.429 W 120° 35.540) a gully back down to the Dewdrop Range allowing for a circle route, though the long hike back to the vehicle is not that attractive.   A two-car system would work well, though.  It’s still a long, hard route.

An alternate route to Castle Butte is to use the Red Lake FSR to gain all the altitude, then do an out and back hike along (relatively) level terrain out to the trail near Castle Butte.   This is scenic route following old backroads.   We did this route over the weekend and arrived at Castle Butte within an hour, then spent the rest of day exploring beyond.

The trailhead is at N 50° 46.840 W 120° 34.332 (or use the map below).   The road is just past the 4.5 km marker.   Follow the route shown (highlighted in yellow).   Once on the trail at the edge, you have joined the main trail from below.   Follow the trail west until you are above Castle Butte at the top of the ridge (N 50° 46.347 W 120° 35.187).   The route to the top of Castle Butte is to follow the ridge down until it descends into a cleft (veer left).   You will will not be able to see a route up to the top of the final butte, but go around the left side, without dropping at all.   I placed several pieces of flagging tape along the route.   As you traverse to the east side, you will come to a place where you have to do a short scramble up a series of ledges to the top (looking for flagging tape for the easiest route).   Go slowly and carefully up and down.   It is a spectacular spot.  Follow the same route back or take the time to follow the trail west for a while first.